Animal Science
Engage in hands-on learning, exploring diverse aspects of domestic animal science and husbandry.
Animal Science, Agricultural Education Concentration, B.S.
Animal Science majors, which includes pre-veterinary students, will learn in a hands-on, science-based curriculum under knowledgeable and friendly faculty. Students explore the science, production, and business of domestic food, fiber, and companion animal species, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, and companion animals. Also included are disciplines such as nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science, management, health, and biotechnology. Animal Science students learn experientially by working with MTSU livestock herds including beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, and horses.
Several extracurricular animal-related student organizations, including the Block and Bridle Club, Dairy Science Club, Poultry Science Club, Collegiate FFA, and Pre-Veterinary Medical Society, provide unparalleled opportunities for students to engage with their fellow classmates and network with industry partners. Animal Science majors seeking certification to teach agricultural education in secondary schools (grades 7-12) must complete (1) the Animal Science major, (2) an MTeach minor, and (3) professional agricultural education courses.
News Briefs
Standing out in the herd
MTSU's state-of-the-art dairy farm is responsible for milk served on campus and to local area vendors. Home to the university's herd of about 100 dairy cows, the teaching, research, and production facility features a double-eight parallel milking parlor with rapid-exit gates that can milk 16 cows at a time. A computer-controlled milking system with leg bands allows us to record milk production and track activity levels of each cow. Students in dairy production, livestock management, and other animal science courses learn how to operate a modern dairy farm and many are involved in undergraduate research projects at the farm.
Animal Science students are active in research
Animal Science students conduct undergraduate thesis research projects as part of the University Honors College or independently with a faculty mentor. Students have the opportunity to present their research at university, state, regional, and national meetings including University Scholar's Week, the Tennessee Academy of Science, American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science, Poultry Science Association, and the International Poultry Scientific Forum.
News Briefs
Standing out in the herd
MTSU's state-of-the-art dairy farm is responsible for milk served on campus and to local area vendors. Home to the university's herd of about 100 dairy cows, the teaching, research, and production facility features a double-eight parallel milking parlor with rapid-exit gates that can milk 16 cows at a time. A computer-controlled milking system with leg bands allows us to record milk production and track activity levels of each cow. Students in dairy production, livestock management, and other animal science courses learn how to operate a modern dairy farm and many are involved in undergraduate research projects at the farm.
Animal Science students are active in research
Animal Science students conduct undergraduate thesis research projects as part of the University Honors College or independently with a faculty mentor. Students have the opportunity to present their research at university, state, regional, and national meetings including University Scholar's Week, the Tennessee Academy of Science, American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science, Poultry Science Association, and the International Poultry Scientific Forum.
Animal Science, Agricultural Education Concentration, B.S.
A degree in Animal Science affords students a wide array of career opportunities after graduation or helps prepare them for continued study beyond the undergraduate level, including graduate degree programs (M.S. or Ph.D.) or professional programs in veterinary medicine (DVM). Some career opportunities with a degree in Animal Science from MTSU might include
- Animal feed manufacturer
- Animal health technician
- Animal laboratory technician
- Animal nutrition salesperson
- Animal product processing supervisor
- Animal shelter manager
- Canine performance trainer
- County extension agent
- Government regulatory specialist
- Livestock journalist
- Livestock marketer
- Livestock production manager
- Pharmaceutical salesperson
- Poultry production technician
- Quality assurance manager
- Veterinary technician
- Vocational agriculture teacher
- Wildlife technician
- Zookeeper
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- ADM
- Aviagen
- Cal-Maine Foods
- Cargill
- Farm Credit Services of Mid-America
- Heritage Farms
- High schools across Tennessee
- Mars Petcare
- Merck Animal Health
- MWI Veterinary Supply
- PIC International
- Pilgrim’s Pride
- Tennessee Department of Agriculture
- Tennessee Department of Education
- Tennessee Farm Bureau
- Tennessee Farmer’s Cooperative
- Tractor Supply Company
- Tyson Foods
- UT/TSU Extension
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake.
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
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